Costco Wholesale Corporation, commonly known as Costco, was founded in 1983 in Seattle, Washington. The company's first warehouse was located in an old airplane hangar.
Costco requires a membership to shop in their stores, and this has been a significant part of their business model. Interestingly, the company makes more profit from membership fees than from selling products.
If you see an asterisk on a Costco price tag, it means the item is being discontinued or won't be restocked. If you find a product with a price ending in .97, it's a clearance item, and the price is likely at its lowest.
Costco strategically rotates its product selection to keep things interesting for customers. While they carry many staple products, you can often find unique and seasonal items that may not be available in the next visit.
Hotdog Combo Deal: One of the most famous items at Costco is their $1.50 hot dog combo (with a soda). The price has remained the same since 1985, and it has become a symbol of their commitment to value.
Costco has one of the most generous return policies in the retail industry. They accept returns on most items without time limits, except for electronics, which have a 90-day return window.
Costco is known for treating its employees well. They pay higher wages compared to many other retailers, provide health benefits even to part-time workers, and have a low employee turnover rate.
While shopping at Costco, you might notice they offer fewer options for certain products compared to other stores. This approach helps them streamline operations and maintain low prices.